AP Decision Notes: What to expect in Washington state’s primary

Eleven candidates are set to compete in Washington state's primary election, with the aim of securing two seats on the November general ballot. The primary will take place across the state, where voters will also select finalists for nine congressional districts, as well as positions in the state Legislature and state Supreme Court.

Democratic incumbent U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez is seeking re-election in the 3rd Congressional District, a position she won narrowly in 2022. Gluesenkamp Perez is the most prominent and well-funded Democrat among the four candidates vying for the seat. She faces three Republican opponents, including John Braun, the state Senate Minority Leader, who has received the key endorsement of former President Donald Trump.

The 3rd Congressional District is located in southwest Washington, bordering Oregon to the south and the Pacific Ocean to the west. It is forecast to be a crucial battleground in the upcoming U.S. House election. In the 2024 general election, Trump secured 50.3% of the vote in the district, surpassing the 47% support that Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris garnered. Gluesenkamp Perez managed to win 50.1% of the vote in the 2022 general election and approximately 52% in 2024.

In the upcoming race to replace retiring Republican U.S. Rep. Dan Newhouse, ten House Republicans endorsed his decision to step down after six terms. Among these contenders are Yakima County Commissioner Amanda McKinney and former NASCAR driver Jerrod Sessler, both Republicans. Trump endorsed McKinney on the fifth anniversary of the 2021 Capitol attack carried out by a mob of his supporters.

He had previously lent his support to Sessler's unsuccessful 2024 bid to unseat Newhouse. In the 2024 presidential election, Trump received 59% of the vote in the 4th Congressional District.